Listen to last week’s sermon The series on the 7 Letters to the 7 Churches The Church of Pergamos found in Revelation 2:12-17

The first chapters of the book of Revelation is a powerful exploration of Jesus’ direct messages to early Christian communities. These letters, dictated by Jesus to the apostle John while he was exiled on the island of Patmos, are not just ancient history—they are living words for every church and believer today. Each letter addresses unique strengths, weaknesses, and spiritual climates, offering timeless lessons for faith, endurance, and holiness.

Recap of past messages in our current series.

The Church in Ephesus Revelation 2:1-7

The Church in Smyrna Revelation 2:8-11

Before diving into the Church of Pergamos, Pastor Eric recapped the first two churches:

Ephesus: Known for its doctrinal strength and spiritual activity, Ephesus was a model church that experienced revival and transformation. However, Jesus rebuked them for losing their “first love”—their passion and devotion to Him. The warning was clear: works without love are empty, and Jesus desires relationship over ritual.

Smyrna: This church faced poverty and persecution, yet Jesus found no fault in them. They were “rich” in faith, choosing faithfulness over worldly approval, even at the cost of their lives. Jesus encouraged them to remain steadfast, promising eternal reward for their endurance.

The Church of Pergamos – Where Satan Dwells (Revelation 2:12-17)

The third letter is addressed to the Church of Pergamos (or Pergamum), a congregation situated in a city renowned for its cultural, political, and spiritual significance. Pergamos was a major city in the Roman province of Asia, built on a high acropolis, making it physically secure but spiritually vulnerable. The city was a center of idolatry, home to temples dedicated to gods like Athena, Dionysus, Asclepius (the serpent god of healing), and Zeus. It was also a hub for emperor worship, making it a challenging environment for Christians who worshipped the one true God. Jesus introduces Himself as the One “who has the sharp two-edged sword,” a reference to the power and authority of His Word (see Hebrews 4:12). This introduction signals that a spiritual “surgery” is about to take place—a call to discernment, correction, and, if necessary, judgment.“Where Satan’s Throne Is” Jesus acknowledges the darkness of Pergamos, calling it “where Satan’s throne is.”

This phrase highlights the intense spiritual opposition and the city’s status as a stronghold of evil influence. Despite this, the believers in Pergamos had held fast to Jesus’ name and did not deny their faith, even when one of their own, Antipas, was martyred for his witness.This commendation is significant: Jesus notices every act of faithfulness, especially when it comes at great personal cost. Whether at work, school, or in public, standing for Christ matters to Him.

The Danger of Compromise

What is The Teachings of Balaam and the Teachings of the Nicolaitans?

However, Jesus also rebukes the Church of Pergamos for tolerating false teachings within their midst. Some members held to the “teaching of Balaam,” referencing the Old Testament story where Balaam advised King Balak to entice the Israelites into sin through idolatry and sexual immorality (Numbers 22–24). The result was spiritual compromise and judgment. Similarly, some in Pergamos embraced the “teaching of the Nicolaitans,” which likely encouraged blending in with the surrounding culture and minimizing the call to holiness. The church was not entirely corrupted, but their tolerance of these teachings threatened their spiritual integrity. Jesus warns that what is tolerated will eventually dominate, and bad theology inevitably leads to bad living.

The Call to Repentance

A recurring theme in the 7 letters to the 7 churches is the call to repentance. Jesus is merciful and patient, always giving space for His people to turn back to Him. In Pergamos, He warns that if they do not repent, He will come and “war against them with the sword of [His] mouth”—a clear reference to the authority and judgment of His Word.Repentance is not just about feeling sorry; it’s about realigning with God’s truth and separating from sin, even when surrounded by a culture that celebrates compromise.

Promises to the Overcomers

To those who overcome—who remain faithful, resist temptation, and persevere in faith—Jesus promises “hidden manna” and a “white stone with a new name.” The hidden manna symbolizes spiritual nourishment and intimacy with Christ, while the white stone represents acquittal, acceptance, and a new identity in Him. These promises are deeply personal and signify the eternal rewards awaiting those who stand firm.

The message to the Church of Pergamos is profoundly relevant for believers and churches today. In a world that often pressures Christians to compromise biblical truth for cultural acceptance, the call is to remain distinct, holy, and loyal to Christ in both doctrine and practice. Tolerance of sin and false teaching, even in the name of love or relevance, ultimately weakens the church and invites spiritual defeat. Pastor Eric emphasized that real love speaks the truth, even when it’s hard. Grace is not a license to sin, and the church must not confuse love with tolerance. Like a good doctor who warns of illness, the church must lovingly confront error and call people to repentance and wholeness in Christ.

Living Where God Dwells

The ultimate goal is to be a church and a people known not for compromise, but for the presence of God. Through prayer, faithfulness, and unwavering commitment to the Word, believers can transform the spiritual climate of their cities and communities. The 7 letters to the 7 churches, especially the letter to the Church of Pergamos in Revelation 2, remind us that Jesus desires a pure, passionate, and persevering bride—one that shines His light in the darkest places.

Watch the sermon here: